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“The presence of a conductor adds to the balance of authority in the ­vehicle," Professor Russell argues, advocating for a pilot program to test his theory before reintroducing conductors across the network.

The case for reintroducing conductors is significantly boosted by the poor performance of the Myki ticketing system. The smartcard is expected to take over from the Metcard system in 2012, and the cost has blown out by more than $300 million.

The Baillieu government inherited the Myki debacle from the Brumby Labor government following the state election last November. After a review it ­surprised some political observers by choosing to continue with Myki, betting its own repu-tation on the ­success of the system.

The Greens’ argument in favour of replacing machines with people comes as average weekly earnings in Australia grew 4.4 per cent in the year ended May 31.

Expensive human components can be unreliable. Melbourne’s train system was crippled in April, when on-time performance fell sharply to under 75 per cent. Metro Trains boss Andrew Lezala blamed a “small number of drivers" taking unauthorised industrial action.

Vancouver’s Skytrain system has introduced a fleet of driverless trains.

Amsterdam, however, has gone in the other direction, reintroducing conductors to its trams after relying on machines led to a spike in fare ­evasion.